The 5th World Shiology Forum commenced on October 29, 2025, in Haikou, Hainan province, drawing global attention to the pressing issues of food systems and sustainability. Established in 2017, the forum has become a pivotal platform for international stakeholders to collaborate on food governance and sustainable development. This year’s event centered on the theme of addressing food system challenges through Shiology, a comprehensive knowledge system that integrates fragmented knowledge into a cohesive framework. The forum released the “Global Food Systems and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Report (2025)”, a collaborative effort by experts from 115 countries, which outlines a three-year implementation plan to tackle food-related issues. The report was presented to United Nations representatives, marking a significant step toward translating Shiology theory into actionable solutions. Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, in the report’s foreword, highlighted the necessity of a holistic approach to food systems, stating that “Shiology is such a knowledge system”. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in a written message delivered by China’s Special Envoy for Climate Change Liu Zhenmin, praised Shiology’s holistic principle as a guide for exploring human coexistence and resilience. The forum introduced the “Five Food Needs” framework, which includes basic sustenance, dietary diversity, food safety, healthy longevity, and sustainable supply. Liu Guangwei, director-general of the World Shiology Forum, emphasized that this framework signifies the maturation of Shiology as an interdisciplinary field. The event also underscored the critical role of food security in achieving the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with 13 of the 17 SDGs closely linked to food. Li Feng, vice-governor of Hainan, highlighted the province’s efforts in implementing a “Big Food View” approach, focusing on modern seed industry development, green production, and cold-chain logistics. The forum concluded with a call for global unity in addressing food system challenges, with UN officials acknowledging China’s contributions and expressing support for Shiology’s holistic principles.